Better Pork

China is the world’s largest producer, consumer and importer of pork. Reuters reported that China produced a record 57.94 million metric tons of pork in 2023. Fourth quarter of 2023 showed that China increased slaughter to cut losses amid an oversupply of pigs and an outbreak of African swine fever. Pork output for 2023 rose by 4.6% from a year ago. “There is an imbalance between supply and demand for pork in China caused by huge losses and an accelerating move away from pork as the preferred meat,” says Ann Boyda, provincial livestock market analyst with the Alberta government. “On the supply side, farmers increased production in response to swine fever losses and large-scale operations comprised a greater share of the market.” African swine fever continues to plague China, hitting the small and medium farmers the worst. Pig production transitioned to more remote areas to help address biosecurity risks. The government implemented policies to support highly integrated pig enterprises with the view of ensuring food security for its large rural and migrant populations. In China, on the demand side, the large lower income population is price sensitive and facing economic challenges. China’s economy is pressured by its financial problems in the property sector which was over built and could take a long time to rebalance. The middle to high income population appears to be turning away from pork as the dominant meat due to changes in its flavour profile. The large-scale industrial production system is generating a product with different genetics and inputs, unfamiliar to the Chinese palate. “BNN Bloomberg reported that China’s pork production in 2023 rose to the highest level in 9 years and the government still bought pork to lift prices. Larger supplies coupled with weakened consumer demand resulted in a slowdown in China’s 2023 import volumes. The volatility in China’s pork market is a major source of uncertainty for exporters.” In 2022, Alberta exported $540.2 million in fresh, frozen and chilled pork product, of which $9.125 million or 1.7% of the total value of Alberta pork exports, was destined to China. Over the last decade, China’s share of Alberta pork export value ranged from 0.2% in 2013 and 2014 to nearly 9.8% in 2020.

By Farms.com In the quiet early hours of a cold January morning, a family farm located near Morinville, Alberta, was bustling with unexpected excitement. The farm, known for its livestock, witnessed an extraordinary event that would soon make headlines: the birth of triplet calves. This rare occurrence has turned the farm into a local attraction, drawing attention from neighbours and fellow farmers eager to witness the trio first-hand. Triplet births in cattle are exceedingly rare, with the odds being reported as one in 105,000. However, for this family, it felt like a one-in-a-million miracle. Each year, the farm welcomes 50 to 60 new calves, with twins occasionally appearing, but triplets were never part of their experience until now. The survival of all three calves is nothing short of a miracle, given the complications that can arise from multiple births in cattle. The family was prepared for the arrival of the calves, although the presence of three instead of the anticipated one or two was a complete surprise. The smallest of the trio required some extra care, including bottle feeding, to ensure a healthy start in life. Remarkably, all three calves have shown good growth and vitality, much to the delight of the family and their community. The triplet calves have quickly become celebrities on the farm, with visitors coming by to see them and the family's children assigning them star-studded names. Such occurrences highlight the unpredictable nature of farming and the joys it can bring. The event has sparked conversations about genetics and the likelihood of future multiple births for the mother cow, adding an interesting twist to the farm's breeding discussions.

A researcher with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine says the use of AI to assess animal welfare offers an opportunity to eliminate human error and bias during animal welfare assessments. The Western College of Veterinary Medicine and the University of Saskatchewan's Department of Computer Engineering, in partnership with 14 industry partners with support from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, are using artificial intelligence to develop tools to assess animal-based indicators of on-farm welfare, such as lesions detected on carcasses at slaughter. "Automated swine welfare monitoring at the abattoir" was discussed as part of a forum held last month as part of the 2024 Banff Pork Seminar. Dr. Martyna Lagoda, a Post-doctoral Fellow Swine Behavior and Welfare with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, says AI technology is becoming more widespread and can be applied to animal welfare assessment. Quote-Dr. Martyna Lagoda-Western College of Veterinary Medicine: Measuring welfare of animals is a complex task and often involves subjective indicators which means there is a lot of potential for bias and human error. Automation of these this process means the scoring of welfare indicators is performed by a computer which eliminates human error and bias.Performing welfare assessments using an automated system at the time of slaughter in the abattoir means we can eliminate the issues associated with assessments performed on farm. For example, these assessments are time consuming and as a result of that they are often only performed once a year.They are also a risk to biosecurity. We have different people entering the farm to perform these assessments. Assessment of welfare at the abattoir using automated methods is made possible because there are animal-based indicators of welfare which are visible on the animal's carcass that inform on welfare throughout the pig's life and these are used as the scoring targets of an automated system.These indicators tell a story of welfare retrospectively and can be tracked back to different stages of the production chain.

KITCHENER– In celebration ofCanada’s Agriculture Day,Ontario Porkis excited to announce that we are teaming up with the Ontario Hockey League'sKitchener Rangersto help restock food bank shelves by holding a large-scale food and fund drive. “Ontario pork producers believe in the importance of building strong communities,” said Ontario Pork Board Chair John de Bruyn “What better way to support community building than to come together at a hockey game and participate in this food drive that highlights the ongoing food insecurity affecting so many people in our community.” When the Rangers host the Guelph Storm on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, fans are being asked to bring non-perishable food items to the game. The food will be collected by volunteers from Ontario Pork andFeed Ontario, and then distributed throughThe Food Bank of Waterloo Region. “This food and fund drive comes at a crucial time when our inventory levels are a bit lower after increased demand for assistance during the holiday season,” said Kim Wilhelm, CEO at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. “But thanks to our community’s help, we can replenish our distribution centre, ensuring that those in need continue to receive support through the Community Food Assistance Network.” This food and fund drive is the second of the season the Rangers have held at the Auditorium. In December, $3,668 was raised and 1,575 pounds of food was collected, resulting in 8,567 meals. "We believe in the power of community and the impact we can make when we come together,” said Kitchener Rangers COO, Joe Birch. “Partnering with Ontario Pork to support the Food Bank of Waterloo Region and Feed Ontario for this gameday food drive is our way of scoring big off the ice by ensuring no one in our community goes hungry. We encourage fans to bring non-perishable food items to the game on Tuesday, February 13, when the Rangers take on the Guelph Storm." For 11 years Ontario Pork and industry partners have proudly supported Feed Ontario and its network of 1,200 food banks and hunger-relief organizations. The ‘Friends of the Food Bank’program has delivered over 1.1 million servings of pork to food banks across the province. “This food drive is just another example of the tremendous support that Ontario Pork and everyone working in the pork industry provides to the food bank network across Ontario and we are grateful for their ongoing support,” said Feed Ontario’s Chief Executive Officer Carolyn Stewart. “More Ontarians are struggling to make ends meet and the food collected at this event will help ensure that food banks in this community can be there for those who need them.” Fans will also be able to buy copies of the Ontario Pork bookThe Whole Hog. The book features recipes, stories, and tips on how to cook pork that come directly from people who work across the pork supply chain. All proceeds from its sale will go to Feed Ontario. Fans attending the game on February 13, are asked to bring non-perishable food item

Ottawa, Ont.- The Canadian Pork Council (CPC) will join the “Say No to a Bad Deal” coalition, advocating for renegotiations of the United Kingdom’s ascension to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific artnership (CPTPP).This move comes in response to Great Britain’s stance toward Canada, a signal to Canadian farmers,ranchers and producers that the United Kingdom is not interested in free and fair trade in agricultural products. Say No to a Bad Deal is a coalition of agriculture industry leaders and stakeholders advocating for fair and equitable trade agreements that benefit everyone. With Great Britain showing no signs of altering its approach to trade negotiations, the Council aims to remind the Government of Canada of its responsibility to prioritize the best interests of Canadian farmers and ranchers. “The CPC is proud to join the Say No to a Bad Deal coalition, and we are calling for renegotiations of the CPTPP before Canada approves the United Kingdom’s ascension," said Rene Roy, Chair of the Canadian Pork Council. "We have been patient and proposed solutions to safeguard the interests of Canadian farmers and ranchers, yet our concerns remain unaddressed. Setting a precedent for non-tariff trade barriers within the CPTPP must be avoided to protect our industry.” “Great Britain's refusal to truly engage Canada in the current negotiations poses significant risks to Canada’s agricultural sector, and it is crucial we address these concerns head-on before the UK joins a trade deal of which we are a founding member." The CPC supports fair trade terms that uphold the principles of reciprocity and mutual benefit. The organization remains committed to advocating for the interests of Canadian pork producers and safeguarding the industry's long-term viability. "Fair trade is not a buzzword; it is the cornerstone of sustainable economic growth and prosperity," said Roy. "For Canadian farmers, particularly pork producers, fair trade means access to global markets under mutually beneficial terms. It guarantees that our products can compete fairly, fostering growth and stability in our industry and for the country." Canadian Pork Council (CPC) Joins Say No to a Bad Deal coalition, says UK ascension to CPTPP should be delayed Canadian pork producers rely heavily on international markets for their livelihoods, with 70 per cent of production destined for export markets. Fair trade agreements provide producers with the opportunity to access new markets, diversify their customer base and increase profitability. "By joining forces with the Say No to a Bad Deal coalition, we are sending a clear message: Canadian farmers demand nothing short of fair and just trade agreements that set them up for success and support our industry's growth and prosperity."

A researcher with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine says the use of AI to assess animal welfare offers an opportunity to eliminate human error and bias during animal welfare assessments. The Western College of Veterinary Medicine and the University of Saskatchewan's Department of Computer Engineering, in partnership with 14 industry partners with support from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, are using artificial intelligence to develop tools to assess animal-based indicators of on-farm welfare, such as lesions detected on carcasses at slaughter. "Automated swine welfare monitoring at the abattoir" was discussed as part of a forum held last month as part of the 2024 Banff Pork Seminar. Dr. Martyna Lagoda, a Post-doctoral Fellow Swine Behavior and Welfare with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, says AI technology is becoming more widespread and can be applied to animal welfare assessment. Quote-Dr. Martyna Lagoda-Western College of Veterinary Medicine: Measuring welfare of animals is a complex task and often involves subjective indicators which means there is a lot of potential for bias and human error. Automation of these this process means the scoring of welfare indicators is performed by a computer which eliminates human error and bias.Performing welfare assessments using an automated system at the time of slaughter in the abattoir means we can eliminate the issues associated with assessments performed on farm. For example, these assessments are time consuming and as a result of that they are often only performed once a year.They are also a risk to biosecurity. We have different people entering the farm to perform these assessments. Assessment of welfare at the abattoir using automated methods is made possible because there are animal-based indicators of welfare which are visible on the animal's carcass that inform on welfare throughout the pig's life and these are used as the scoring targets of an automated system.These indicators tell a story of welfare retrospectively and can be tracked back to different stages of the production chain.

The Swine Health Information Center has renewed its commitment for 2023 2024 to the Morrison Swine Health Monitoring Project.The Morrison Swine Health Monitoring Project, administered by the University of Minnesota, provides continuous tracking and analysis of domestic swine disease trends through voluntary weekly reporting by pork producers. Swine Health Information Center Executive Director Dr. Megan Niederwerder says the MSHMP program is the largest voluntary swine health project in the United States. Quote-Dr. Megan Niederwerder-Swine Health Information Center: A couple of the ways in which this information is used is looking at benchmarking systems across the participants so that you can evaluate your system across the other systems that are anonymized but included in the report. Each year of the Morrison Swine Health Monitoring Project, since 2011 and inception, they've been tracking the PRRS cumulative incidents over time.That's another way for the industry to benchmark the incidents of PRRS from year to year to understand where does this year fit in to historical trends? The other way in which the Morrison Swine Health Monitoring Project data has been used is looking at, can we utilize this data for regional representation to understand early disease warnings that can be notifiable through the disease reporting?We're always looking for ways in which industry data can be used to provide more actionable information back to producers. If the information can provide an early disease warning signal, then those producers are more aware and more able to implement certain biosecurity protocols that will reduce the risk for their specific site. Dr. Niederwerder encourages anyone who has questions about the Morrison Swine Health Monitoring Project or activities of the Swine Health Information Center to visit the SHIC website at swinehealth.org.

The Manager of the Canada West Swine Heath Intelligence Network reports the identification of an uptick in Neurologic syndrome in Alberta in Quarter Four of 2023 shows the organization’s Clinical Impression Surveys are working. The Canada West Swine Health Intelligence Network has released its Quarter four report for 2023. CWSHIN Manager Dr. Jette Christensen says, when looking for new diseases or presentations of known diseases, the problem is that its hard to show that anything is being accomplished in the absence of new diseases. Quote-Dr. Jette Christensen-Canada West Swine Heath Intelligence Network: We had a sudden dramatic increase in the scores that the practitioners give to Neurologic syndrome and I could see that suddenly was a many fold increase compared to all the previous quarters that we have surveys for so that's something that I immediately wanted to look into.I could dig a little bit deeper in the questionnaires and survey results and see that the high scores actually clustered in one province around Alberta. I can't for sure say that it's in Alberta but I could see that the practitioners that I know practice in Alberta had higher scores than, for example, in Manitoba.Once we got in the call I could present that to the practitioners and the practitioners in Alberta said they recognised they had scored Neurologic syndrome higher than they usually do and they also said that it was because of the extremely mild fall they had in Alberta where the winter didn't really set in until December. So, they suspected that this mild fall combined with difficulties with switching ventilation from fall to winter ventilation gave an uptick in Streptococcus suis that typically give neurological signs. Dr. Christensen says the surveillance picked up an increase in Neurologic syndrome and that increase was investigated and confirmed which really showed the system is working as we want it to.

The Manager of the Canada West Swine Health Intelligence Network is encouraging pork producers to focus on addressing coinfections first, when Porcine Sapovirus is suspected in cases of diarrhea.The Canada West Swine Health Intelligence Network has released its Quarter four report for 2023. CWSHIN Manager Dr. Jette Christensen says Sapovirus was first mentioned in January last year and has been discussed during every quarterly call since. Quote-Dr. Jette Christensen-Canada West Swine Health Intelligence Network: Sapovirus has been seen in cases with diarrhea, both alone but also in combination with other viruses that cause diarrhea.It seems to be very frequent but we don't know exactly how important it is in causing diarrhea because sometimes it's seen alone and possibly causing diarrhea and sometimes it's seen together with other viruses and bacteria that we know can cause diarrhea on its own so there's still some knowledge that we need to dig out. The challenge is what to do if you find Sapovirus and you think it's causing diarrhea in your herd.There's been an attempt of vaccination and it's not easy. It's hard to get the vaccine, it's hard to store the vaccine because it needs minus 70 freezers so, right now, the recommendation is if there's Sapovirus make sure that you get a good handle and control all other viruses and bacteria that might be contributing to the diarrhea first.Only then might you talk to your vet and see if you can get vaccination going.It's not the first option right now. Dr. Christensen notes Prairie Diagnostic Services in Saskatoon has offered a test since July for Sapovirus and is testing every case of diarrhea for Sapovirus to gain further insight into the infection and Veterinary Diagnostic Services in Winnipeg is expected to be offering a test for Sapovirus shortly.

The Canada West Swine Health Intelligence Network is calling on pork producers and veterinarians to report any incidents of Splenic torsion or twisted spleen. The Canada West Swine Health Intelligence Network has released its Quarter four report for 2023. CWSHIN Manager Dr. Jette Christensen says Splenic torsions or twisted spleen is a rare condition but it's something that came up in quarter three of 2023 and again in quarter 4 and it's attracting attention and generating discussion. Quote-Dr. Jette Christensen-Canada West Swine Health Intelligence Network: We know that several vets have seen sows that died and when they opened the sow the spleen was twisted and that's about it.We know that it can cause death in sows.It might also happen for younger animals, so finishers, because we know it's found at slaughter but at slaughter it's not the cause of death. Its a chronic twisted spleen so the animals have survived so exactly how deadly or fatal a twisted spleen is, we don't know.We would like to get a little bit more information about it so we're reaching out to producers to call their vets if they suspect that sows die of twisted spleens and to vets to also report back to us or let us know if they see any twisted spleens so we can get a little bit more insight into twisted spleens. Right now, the only theory we have is that twisted spleens might be caused by excessive movement of the animals.For instance, if sows jump gates when they're moved from, for example, gestation to farrowing or the other way around or maybe large finishers can do the same, jump gates or have excessive movement but we really don't know.We would like people to let us know if they see anything or if they have insight into twisted spleens. To get more information on twisted spleen or report anything unusual, email manager@cwshin.ca.

Conservative Agriculture Critic John Barlow pressed the government on Bill C-234 on Feb. 5. He pointed out that “the carbon footprint to produce a tonne of canola in Saskatchewan is 67% lower than that of European wheat,” and said the prime minister is punishing farmers with the carbon tax rather than acknowledging their environmental stewardship. Randy Boissonnault, the employment and workforce development minister, responded but didn’t address the question. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and Prime Minister Trudeau had an exchange on the carbon tax and its effects on farmers on Feb. 7. Poilievre reminded the prime minister that “farmers use something called diesel. It goes in their tractors, combines and drying machines. It goes in their on-farm fuels that pay the carbon tax, and he wants to quadruple the tax. Then the truckers who pick up the food and transport it to the grocery store pay the carbon tax…” In response, Prime Minister Trudeau said “there is absolutely no data to support” Poilievre’s claims, and that he invents reasons not to take action on climate change. Poilievre asked another question of the prime minister, asking him to cancel “his 23% carbon tax hike for April 1,” citing the effects it has on farmers and others in the supply chain. “The reality is that our price on pollution returns four times a year more money to 82% of Canad

Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited (P&H) and its subsidiary, P&H Milling Group, are thrilled to announce a significant expansion at their Hamilton, Ontario facility, showcasing their unwavering commitment to Canadian agriculture and the burgeoning baking industry. This expansion marks a pivotal step forward, introducing two new storage silos designed to handle essential feed ingredients like soymeal and distillers dried grains, as well as wheat to cater to the flour mills. Additionally, construction is set to commence in March 2024 for a third flour mill, underlining P&H's position as a premier flour production hub in Hamilton. The existing P&H Hamilton flour mill, operational since 2017, was a historic milestone as the first new flour mill in Ontario in 75 years. Doubling its capacity in 2020 with a second mill and increased storage, the facility has played a vital role in enhancing the company's wheat processing capabilities. CEO John Heimbecker emphasized the significance of this expansion, stating, "Our commitment to the Canadian agricultural landscape is evident in this Hamilton expansion. We are not merely expanding infrastructure but investing in the future of Canadian agriculture and the baking industry. This strategic move reaffirms our dedication to meeting the needs of our agricultural and business partners." Aligned with its vision, P&H's expansion in Hamilton reflects its dedication to contributing significantly to the food industry, supporting local farmers, and ensuring a resilient supply chain. The company remains at the forefront of innovation, incorporating state-of-the-art technology and sustainable practices to meet the demands of a growing population. P&H Milling Group, a division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited, is a leading Canadian agribusiness specializing in flour milling and pea processing. Committed to quality and sustainability, the group plays a crucial role in supporting Canadian agriculture and meeting the demands of the growing food industry. With roots dating back to 1909, Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited is a Canadian, family-owned agri-business. Positioned as a growth-oriented, diversified, and vertically integrated entity, P&H operates in grain merchandising, flour milling, crop inputs, and feed mills across over 70 locations nationwide. Leveraging a well-established network of assets and strong business relationships, P&H remains dedicated to supporting Canadian agricultural producers through ongoing infrastructure development.

By: Farms.com In the quiet early hours of a cold January morning, a family farm located near Morinville, Alberta, was bustling with unexpected excitement. The farm, known for its livestock, witnessed an extraordinary event that would soon make headlines: the birth of triplet calves. This rare occurrence has turned the farm into a local attraction, drawing attention from neighbours and fellow farmers eager to witness the trio first-hand. Triplet births in cattle are exceedingly rare, with the odds being reported as one in 105,000. However, for this family, it felt like a one-in-a-million miracle. Each year, the farm welcomes 50 to 60 new calves, with twins occasionally appearing, but triplets were never part of their experience until now. The survival of all three calves is nothing short of a miracle, given the complications that can arise from multiple births in cattle. The family was prepared for the arrival of the calves, although the presence of three instead of the anticipated one or two was a complete surprise. The smallest of the trio required some extra care, including bottle feeding, to ensure a healthy start in life. Remarkably, all three calves have shown good growth and vitality, much to the delight of the family and their community. The triplet calves have quickly become celebrities on the farm, with visitors coming by to see them and the family's children assigning them star-studded names. Such occurrences highlight the unpredictable nature of farming and the joys it can bring. The event has sparked conversations about genetics and the likelihood of future multiple births for the mother cow, adding an interesting twist to the farm's breeding discussions.

Sometimes you can’t use a larger piece of equipment to drill a post on the farm. That is when the Skidril post driver can come in handy. Depending on the circumstances, driving posts manually can be physically demanding and challenging to a farmer. Soil conditions, post material and size, post depth, physical strength all come into play when installing a series of posts for the farm. Skidril has a tool for you, the G15D is a 4-cycle gas powered post driver that puts an end to manually post driving. Gas powered post drivers originated with Skidril, with a series of post drivers, the G15D is easy on-off simplicity, powerful light weight driver with no hoses attached. Weighing in at 33lbs, the G15D driver runs at an impact energy of 35 ft-lbs. being a 1.5 hp with max speed of 600 rpms, while remaining at a high fuel efficiency of 1qt/hr. The G15D driver has an air cushion dampening for no recoil, with few moving parts already, there is no need for springs or extra parts. The G15D from Skidril is a cool tool for drilling post holes when you can use a larger piece of equipment. Watch the video below to see how easy the Skidril G15D is to use.

It is often said that farmers are up from dusk until dawn, but in reality, a farmer is often out working in the middle of the night tackling whatever emergency has come their way, be it an animal in distress, fixing farm equipment, or emergency fixes to a fence. Any of these emergencies could need an intense light source, to tackle the emergency efficiently. You don’t need to be left in the dark, you can light the way with an Eastwood LED light. As a bonus you can also listen to tunes or the game at the same time. The Eastwood Rechargeable COB LED Flood Light with Speakers is made up of die-cast aluminum housing material with an attachable 4000mAh battery. On the highest setting of 2000-lumens, the battery will last a minimum of 1 hour, compared to a maximum of 12 hours on the lowest setting of 100-lumens. Farmers can set the light up freestanding, using any angle and it has a swivel arm that will rotate 180°. Or if you prefer to use the light in a specific spot permanently, the light has a molded bolt hole for hard mounting to a workbench. So, let’s say the floodlight is in place to work on your emergency and then you need to find something in the back of your truck and it is dark. Simply remove the battery, hit the switch, and now you have a 60-lumen LED flashlight that can be used for a full 24-hours. Or if your cellphone is running low on battery, you can use the battery as a USB power bank to charge your phone. This light also has built-in two 5-watt 35mm (about 1.38 in) Bluetooth speakers that you can use to connect to and listen to your music of the game as you are working. Watch this video to learn more about the 2000-lumen portable floodlight.

“Farmers are already dealing with rising costs on top of steep labour shortages. Now, the carbon tax is significantly increasing to $80 per tonne on April 1,” said Jasmin Guénette, CFIB’s vice-president of national affairs. “The carbon tax is unfair to farmers. That’s why CFIB is asking Members of Parliament to reject the Senate amendments and expedite the passing of Bill C-234 in its original form, which will exempt farmers from paying the carbon tax on propane and natural gas for farm usage. This will provide a meaningful cost relief to farmers and protect our food supply.” On top of that, since 2019, the Canadian government has been collecting carbon tax, promising a rebate to small businesses, farmers, and Indigenous people. Despite the collection of $2.5 billion, businesses in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta have yet to see these funds. The tax increase to $80 per tonne adds to the urgency. Dan Kelly, president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), states, "This is particularly troubling as the tax was expanded to all four Atlantic provinces in July of last year. There is no mechanism in place to return a dime to small businesses paying the federal carbon tax in eight provinces." Kelly's concern is amplified by the fact that small businesses pay a significant portion of the carbon tax but receive minimal rebates. He adds, "While the federal government charges carbon taxes to all small businesses, they plan to rebate only a select few in emissions-intensive and trade-exposed sectors, whatever that means." The CFIB also fears recent adjustments to rural consumer rebates may further reduce small businesses' share. Kelly explains, "The Deputy Prime Minister's office confirmed the changes will be funded through an 'excess allocation in future years,' which we interpret as the 10% that is supposed to be returned to small business." To address these challenges, the CFIB urges the government to:

KITCHENER – In celebration of Canada’s Agriculture Day, Ontario Pork is excited to announce that we are teaming up with the Ontario Hockey League's Kitchener Rangers to help restock food bank shelves by holding a large-scale food and fund drive. “Ontario pork producers believe in the importance of building strong communities,” said Ontario Pork Board Chair John de Bruyn “What better way to support community building than to come together at a hockey game and participate in this food drive that highlights the ongoing food insecurity affecting so many people in our community.” When the Rangers host the Guelph Storm on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, fans are being asked to bring non-perishable food items to the game. The food will be collected by volunteers from Ontario Pork and Feed Ontario, and then distributed through The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. “This food and fund drive comes at a crucial time when our inventory levels are a bit lower after increased demand for assistance during the holiday season,” said Kim Wilhelm, CEO at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. “But thanks to our community’s help, we can replenish our distribution centre, ensuring that those in need continue to receive support through the Community Food Assistance Network.” This food and fund drive is the second of the season the Rangers have held at the Auditorium. In December, $3,668 was raised and 1,575 pounds of food was collected, resulting in 8,567 meals. "We believe in the power of community and the impact we can make when we come together,” said Kitchener Rangers COO, Joe Birch. “Partnering with Ontario Pork to support the Food Bank of Waterloo Region and Feed Ontario for this gameday food drive is our way of scoring big off the ice by ensuring no one in our community goes hungry. We encourage fans to bring non-perishable food items to the game on Tuesday, February 13, when the Rangers take on the Guelph Storm." For 11 years Ontario Pork and industry partners have proudly supported Feed Ontario and its network of 1,200 food banks and hunger-relief organizations. The ‘Friends of the Food Bank’ program has delivered over 1.1 million servings of pork to food banks across the province. “This food drive is just another example of the tremendous support that Ontario Pork and everyone working in the pork industry provides to the food bank network across Ontario and we are grateful for their ongoing support,” said Feed Ontario’s Chief Executive Officer Carolyn Stewart. “More Ontarians are struggling to make ends meet and the food collected at this event will help ensure that food banks in this community can be there for those who need them.” Fans will also be able to buy copies of the Ontario Pork book The Whole Hog. The book features recipes, stories, and tips on how to cook pork that come directly from people who work across the pork supply chain. All proceeds from its sale will go to Feed Ontario. Fans attending the game on February 13, are asked to bring non-perishable food items or donate to The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. Food donation bins will be located at the Ottawa Street, Stirling Avenue, and East Avenue entrances, and at the Community Corner of the Auditorium.

By: Farms.com For the 12th year in a row, Egg Farmers of Canada stands out as one of the National Capital Region's top employers. This prestigious award by Mediacorp Canada highlights the best workplaces in the Ottawa-Gatineau area. With a team of over 60 dedicated employees, Egg Farmers of Canada is celebrated for its innovative human resources approach and a deep commitment to creating a positive work environment. "Our entire team's hard work and dedication have earned us this tremendous honour," says Drew Black, CEO. This recognition reflects the staff's diverse efforts and engagement, fostering a strong community within the office. Egg Farmers of Canada offers a supportive setting where employees grow, contributing to job satisfaction and loyalty. The workplace boasts competitive benefits, a fitness room, free parking, bike racks, and a rooftop patio. Fun social events and team-building activities, like an annual golf tournament and cross-departmental lunches, strengthen bonds among team members. This honour joins a list of accolades recognizing Egg Farmers of Canada's commitment to its people, including titles from Waterstone Human Capital and an induction into Canada's Most Admired Corporate Cultures™ Hall of Fame. The vibrant culture at Egg Farmers of Canada not only promotes excellence in work but also nurtures a sense of belonging, allowing team members to connect with each other and build relationships. This makes it a highly desirable place to work.

By: Farms.com In Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) is raising its voice. They're calling for more support from both federal and provincial governments to tackle several pressing issues. High on their list are inflation, strict environmental policies, and rising costs for fuel, fertilizer, and herbicides. These challenges pose significant threats to food security and the sustainability of agriculture in the province. SARM President Ray Orb emphasizes the importance of support to meet the government's food security goals and mitigate the impact of inflation. This is essential for enabling new farmers to enter the industry and for existing ones to maintain competitiveness on a global scale. Saskatchewan's agriculture sector, renowned for its high-quality grains, oilseeds, pulses, livestock, and agri-food products, has faced record exports. However, to continue this success, understanding and support from the government are critical. The province's rural producers are known for their innovation and resilience, but they face hurdles from inflation, expectations for fertilizer reduction, and ineffective environmental policies. Despite these challenges, there's a collective hope within SARM and its members for pragmatic solutions that encourage positive change. As Saskatchewan stands as a self-sustainable province, the effects of these challenges are felt by every household, impacting the cost of food and fuel. The upcoming 119th Annual SARM Convention aims to address these issues, presenting strategies to ensure the sustainability of food production and security continues to thrive in Saskatchewan.

By: Farms.com In 2023, Alberta's agriculture sector navigated a mixed bag of farm input price changes, with electricity rates climbing and prices for several other key inputs like purple gas, diesel fuel, propane, and farm natural gas witnessing declines. This trend emerges amidst an era marked by high volatility, inflation, and supply chain disruptions, as highlighted by Azam Nikzad, a market analyst with the Alberta government. Statistics Canada reports a 20% hike in farm operating expenses from 2021 to 2022, with Alberta's farm input price index up 9.6% in the third quarter of 2023 versus the same period in 2022. The analysis of yearly averages for 2023 compared to 2022 shows electricity and oil for diesel engines experiencing the most significant price increases, by 44.6% and 27.6% respectively. On the flip side, global market adjustments led to a 23.1% average price reduction for other fuels and a 18.2% decrease in fertilizer costs, with urea prices notably dropping by 29.5%. Moreover, farm machinery and seed prices went up by 14.4% and 5.6%, respectively, while feed prices modestly increased by 1.1%. Crop chemicals and livestock drugs varied, with some prices climbing and others falling, reflecting the broad impact of global supply and demand shifts. 2023's price dynamics were influenced by several factors, including logistical challenges, labour market shifts, and geopolitical tensions such as the Ukraine-Russia conflict, which notably affected fuel and fertilizer markets. These conditions, coupled with inflationary pressures, have played a significant role in shaping the farm input landscape. Looking ahead, predictions for 2024 farm input prices range widely, with some experts anticipating further increases due to ongoing global uncertainty and supply constraints, while others expect a moderation in prices. The future direction will largely hinge on energy costs and global demand, underscoring the importance of closely monitoring these indicators for Alberta's agricultural p